Career and Education Opportunities for Soil Conservation Technicians in Virginia

Virginia has a population of 7,882,590, which has grown by 11.36% over the past decade. Nicknamed the "Old Dominion," its capital is Richmond, though its most populous city is Virginia Beach.

The national trend for soil conservation technicians sees this job pool growing by about 11.9% over the next eight years. Soil conservation technicians generally plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.

Soil conservation technicians earn about $27 per hour or $56,730 yearly on average in Virginia and about $28 hourly or $58,720 yearly on average nationally. Compared with people working in the overall category of Life Sciences, people working as soil conservation technicians in Virginia earn less. They earn less than people working in the overall category of Life Sciences nationally. Jobs in this field include: wetlands technician, resource conservationist, and environmental consultant.

In 2008, there were a total of 4,916,428 jobs in Virginia. The average annual income was $44,075 in 2008, up from $43,158 in 2007. The unemployment rate in Virginia was 6.7% in 2009, which has grown by 2.8% since the previous year. About 29.5% of Virginia residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Virginia include computer systems design services, internet service providers, web search portals, and data processing services, and internet service providers search portals. Notable tourist attractions include the Aquarist, the Old Coast Guard Station, and the Ocean Breeze Water Park.

CITIES WITH Soil Conservation Technician OPPORTUNITIES IN Virginia

JOB DESCRIPTION: Soil Conservation Technician

In general, soil conservation technicians plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.

Every day, soil conservation technicians are expected to be able to listen to and understand others in meetings. They need to read and understand documents and reports. It is also important that they articulate ideas and problems.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Virginia include:

Biological Sciences Technician. Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Biologist. Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, and functions.

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist. Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, and other sources.

Epidemiologist. Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, and other health outcomes and develop the means for prevention and control.

Food Technologist. Use chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, and distribute food.

Forester. Manage forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine the best time for harvesting. Develop forest management plans for public and privately-owned forested lands.

Medical Scientist. Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation or other research, production, or related activities.

Microbiologist. Investigate the growth, structure, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Natural Resource Manager. Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

Park Ranger. Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Scientist. Study the chemical composition and physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Soil Scientist. Conduct research in breeding, physiology, and management of crops and agricultural plants, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Zoologist. Study the origins, behavior, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management, including the collection and analysis of biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Virginia

Virginia photo by Anderskev

Virginia has a population of 7,882,590, which has grown by 11.36% in the last 10 years. Nicknamed the "Old Dominion," its capital is Richmond, though its most populous city is Virginia Beach. In 2008, there were a total of 4,916,428 jobs in Virginia. The average annual income was $44,075 in 2008, up from $43,158 the preceding year. The unemployment rate in Virginia was 6.7% in 2009, which has grown by 2.8% since the previous year. Roughly 29.5% of Virginia residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Virginia include computer systems design services, internet service providers, web search portals, and data processing services, and internet service providers search portals. Notable tourist destinations include the Old Coast Guard Station, the Aquarist, and the City Directory.